Updates in Academic Affairs: September 8, 2015
Inside updates: Findings from the Academic Program Review and Planning process are now available online.
Academic program review findings available online
The provost’s summary findings and presentation of the 2014-15 Academic Program Review and Planning process are available on the SharePoint site at the Institutional Effectiveness website by clicking here. A valid Bronco NetID and password are required to access for login.
The summary document highlights 16 central themes common to multiple degree programs across colleges. The APR&P process considered 474 programs—majors, minors, masters, doctorates, certificates and the University's sole specialist degree.
Feedback on the summary findings is expected to lead to campuswide actions, including charges to Faculty Senate councils, discussions between faculty members and administrators, and discussions within units that will result in curricular and administrative actions.
Some units will be required to work with deans to establish a plan by the end of fall semester addressing issues that were identified in the program review. These planning initiatives should also be incorporated in unit, college and Academic Affairs Strategic Planning.
Observation and planning recommendations for each program also are posted to the SharePoint site referenced above. Members of the community are encouraged to review these materials and actively engage in the next steps of our planning process.
Preferred name website launched for students
In April, the Board of Trustees approved a policy permitting students to use a first name other than their legal name to identify themselves. WMU is the fifth four-year public institution in Michigan to adopt a preferred name policy. Faculty and staff are encouraged to use a student's preferred first name in their interactions with students and in all University communications, except where use of a legal name is required by University business.
As part of a phased implementation, several University systems were modified over the summer to allow a student’s preferred first name to be display in these six initial places:
- Bronco Card (preferred name on front, legal name on back)
- Degree Works
- Email display name
- Instructor class lists in GoWMU (preferred name in parentheses after legal name)
- People search
- Printed directory
A website about the preferred name policy has been launched for current students to establish their preferred first name. Students can get to the website through GoWMU by clicking on the "Student Home" home and then on "View/update My Personal Information." Additional information about the preferred name policy can be found on the Registrar’s Office website.
New EUP awards recognize exceptional teaching, community engagement
The Faculty Senate's Extended University Programs Council has developed two new awards to recognize EUP instructors who have demonstrated excellence in innovative teaching and community engagement. Instructors must self-nominate to be considered for the awards.
The nomination guidelines and forms are available from the EUP website (click here for instructions). Eligible candidates must have taught at least one EUP course during the 2014-15 academic year, and this includes an individual, group, or academic program as a whole.
Winners may receive a one-time honorarium of up to $2,500 for excellence in one of two areas:
- Innovative Teaching: This award will be presented to those who develop or apply a teaching strategy, approach, technique, or tool to produce quantifiable gain for learner outcomes or the learner experience.
- Community Engagement: This award will be presented to those who document and exhibit new community partnerships in education or research and/or encourage greater student engagement with the community outside of WMU.
Those interested in pursuing an award must apply by Monday, Sept. 14, 2015. Questions regarding the awards or application process should be sent to faculty-senate@wmich.edu.
Daylong event features nationally recognized educator
Hernandez, before earning his doctorate from Michigan State University, was engulfed in gang culture and deep poverty in the streets of Los Angeles. In his appearances at WMU, he will discuss hardships faced by students and how to transcend obstacles and pursue passions.
Events featuring Hernandez include the following:
- Instructor workshop, 9 to 11: 30 a.m., Bernhard Center, Room 157: Instructors will learn about ways to connect with students and prepare for an increasingly diverse student population. RSVP at wmich.edu/business/instructor-hernandez.
- Staff workshop, 1:15 to 3:30 p.m., Bernhard Center, Room 105: As a former student at risk, Hernandez will offer practical methods for building rapport with students while creating student experiences that are relevant and life-changing. RSVP at wmich.edu/business/staff-hernandez.
- For Students: In a presentation open to all WMU students as well as to the general public, Hernandez will give a talk at 5 p.m. in the Bernhard Center Ballroom.
Contact Chris Robinson at (269) 387-5087 or @email for information.